Four Freedoms Speech

“Today, thinking of our children and of their children, we oppose enforced isolation for ourselves or for any other part of the Americas.”

This quote reflects Franklin D. Roosevelt’s rejection of isolationism and commitment to international engagement. By invoking future generations, he emphasizes the long-term consequences of isolation and stresses the importance of active involvement in global affairs. Roosevelt’s words convey the idea that isolationism is not a viable option if the United States aims to create a better world for future generations.

“That determination of ours, extending over all these years, was proved, for example, in the early days during the quarter century of wars following the French Revolution.”

Roosevelt highlights the historical context of US opposition to isolationism. By referencing the “quarter century of wars following the French Revolution,” he underscores the nation’s longstanding commitment to opposing isolation and engaging with global events. This allusion to historical conflicts reinforces the idea that the US has always been involved in international affairs and emphasizes the importance of continued engagement to protect democracy.

“And in like fashion from 1815 to 1914—ninety-nine years—no single war in Europe or in Asia constituted a real threat against our future or against the future of any other American nation.”

By emphasizing the period of peace from 1815 to 1914, Roosevelt underscores the US’s relatively secure position during that time. He suggests that the absence of significant threats allowed the nation to focus on its own development and internal affairs. This quote serves to contrast the relatively peaceful past with the current global context, reinforcing the idea that the world is facing a grave and unprecedented threat that necessitates active engagement.